Yesterday, police executed warrants at homes in Blackburn, Preston and Sheffield as part of their investigation into the incident.

Four men from Blackburn were arrested. They were a 24-year-old from Westbury Gardens, a 26-year-old from Lambeth Street, a 29-year-old from July Street, and a 30-year-old from July Street. Five men from Preston, aged 24, 28, 23, 32 and 34 and a 42-year-old man from Sheffield were also arrested.

They were in police custody being questioned by officers yesterday.

Det Insp Mark Vaughton, from Blackburn CID, said: “While incidents of this kind are rare, I would like to reassure the residents of Lancashire, particularly Blackburn, where this disorder took place, that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour.

“As with this, we will work to find those responsible with a dedicated enquiry team.

“This incident took place on a public residential street, instilling fear in the local residents, and I am thankful that no-one was hurt when the gun was let off.

“We need the public to continue to work with us to help us tackle crime by informing us of any suspicious activity, especially if they have any information at all about this incident, which happened on December 14 last year.”

Anybody with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference number LC-20131214-1488.

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